A Celebration of Song
Rumor has it a Gaither Vocal Band reunion is in the near future
By Deborah Evans Price, Senior Music Editor, GospelMusicChannel.com
There’s no denying George Beverly Shea’s impact on popular culture over the last six decades. Often called “America's Beloved Gospel Singer,” Shea’s voice is recognized throughout the world because of his weekly appearances on Billy Graham’s Hour of Decision radio broadcast.
Shea’s legacy is celebrated on a new television special “Then Sings My Soul” hosted by Bill Gaither, a one-hour tribute that can be seen on Gospel Music Channel’s Monday night line-up. Check schedule for listings. The DVD also became available for purchase at retail June 24.
During the past 65 years, as member of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Bev Shea has performed all over the world, singing to an estimated 220 million people during his lifetime. Graham cites the Gospel Music Hall of Fame member as his favorite singer.
Gaither calls him “a rare gem, a true servant of the gospel.” The two sat down at the Grove Park Inn to reminisce about Shea’s life and music on the occasion of his 98th birthday. Shea shares memories of his extensive travels and discusses the inspiration behind some of his favorite compositions such as “I’d Rather Have Jesus” and “The Wonder of it All.”
Shea shares with Gaither how he came to adopt “How Great Thou Art” as his signature song. After being given the song in London in 1957, he sang it every night for 16 straight weeks at Madison Square Garden. The DVD includes vintage clips of Shea singing at Billy Graham Crusades all over the world and features such beloved songs as “I Will Sing The Wondrous Story,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”
In other Gaither news, there’s word that Bill plans to host a reunion for former members of the famed Gaither Vocal Band later this month. GVB’s alumni include David Phelps, Russ Taff, Mark Lowry and others. Plans call for the reunion to take place at Gaither’s home base in Alexandria, Ind.
Just in time for the July 4th holiday, Razor & Tie is releasing Patriotic Country III, a 17-song collection that features today’s top country artists performing songs that celebrate family values and the good old U.S.A. The collection includes hits such as Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot of Things Different,” John Michael Montgomery’s “Letter from Home,” Sugarland’s “Everyday America,” LeAnn Rimes’ “God Bless America” and Diamond Rio’s “One More Day” alongside such classics as Merle Haggard’s “Fightin’ Side of Me” and Waylon Jennings’ “America.” It also features Neal McCoy’s “The Last of a Dying Breed,” Randy Travis’ “Heroes and Friends,” and Keni Thomas’ “Not Me,” from his wonderful Flags of Our Fathers album.
Another Bill Gaither favorite, Janet Paschal, is back in the studio working on a new project with producer Wayne Haun. Titled Treasure, the upcoming Vine Records release will feature newly recorded versions of some of her most requested songs. According to a recently issued statement, Paschal says, “We’re keeping the thick, rich production on the ballads and the foot-stomping beats on the up-tempo tunes. We’re staying true to the original arrangements with some slight updating. There are also a few surprises we’re real excited about.”
Paschal is also working on a book, Treasures of the Snow, slated to be published by Salem Publishing. Look for both the new CD and book this fall.
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About the Writer
Deborah Evans Price has covered Christian/Gospel music for Billboard magazine since 1994. She also contributes regularly to Country Weekly, CMA Close Up, Devo’Zine, Christian Single, HomeLife, BMI Music World, and other publications.
A Nashville resident since 1983, Deborah has held editorial posts at Radio & Records, Country News, American Songwriter and Billboard. Amy Grant, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Charlie Daniels, 3 Doors Down, Third Day, Don Henley, Bon Jovi, Chris Rice, Sandra Bullock, Mercy Me, Alan Jackson, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood and Steven Curtis Chapman are among her many interviews. Additionally, she's a sought-after music industry analyst who has been interviewed on CNN, MSNBC, TNN, The Today Show, and ABC PrimeTime Live, among other outlets.
Deborah is a member of the Gospel Music Association's board of directors and a graduate of Leadership Music. She resides south of Nashville with her husband, Gary, and 18-year-old son Trey.
